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Sirisena teases 2018 PM ouster secret, urges clean leadership
Maithri, Ranil and CBK on same stage
Former President Maithripala Sirisena, on Wednesday (16th), stated that anyone wishing to understand why he had removed Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister in 2018, replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, could approach him privately.
Speaking at the 45th National Conference of Chartered Accountants, where three former Presidents of Sri Lanka—Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe—shared the stage, Sirisena noted that Wickremesinghe had been cordial with him during the event. However, he hinted that it would change if he revealed the actual reason for his decision in 2018 regarding the UNP leader.
“I could explain it, but I’m not sure Mr. Ranil would be pleased. If anyone wants to know, they can ask me privately. It wasn’t solely my decision, but I take full responsibility. Being a leader requires making tough decisions,” Sirisena said.
He further emphasised that for Sri Lanka to progress, it requires not just a clean President, but also an honest cabinet.
“The country cannot advance simply because the President is virtuous. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet must also be clean, with no room for corruption or fraud.
I reject the notion that the country has been corrupt for the past 74 years solely because of politicians. Politicians wouldn’t be able to embezzle without the complicity of bureaucrats,” he said.
Sirisena also stressed the importance of citizens playing their part in building a better nation.
At the same event, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga stated that her government had been the least corrupt since 1977.
Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe remarked on the difference between a CEO and a President, saying, “Steve Jobs could never have become President of the United States. Only Donald Trump managed to cross that line.” (RK)
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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